A nurse says she is very lucky to be alive. She was attacked at her workplace. The attack happened on Thursday at Newton Community Hospital in Newton-Le-Willows, Merseyside.
Meg Lynch is 28 years old. She is a district nurse. She was getting a drink from a vending machine around noon. A man attacked her from behind with a crowbar.
“I was beaten nearly to death,” Meg Lynch said. She suffered several blows to the head. She then ran and hid. She put a door between herself and the attacker.
She was taken to Whiston Hospital’s Accident and Emergency unit. Doctors performed CT scans and X-rays. The results were clear. She needed stitches to close a wound on her head. Nurses had to cut out matted blood first.
“I’m so, so, so lucky I’m still alive,” she said. “I’m so lucky I ran when I did.”
Police say a 20-year-old man was arrested. He is from Afghanistan and lives locally. He was arrested on suspicion of six counts of serious wounding. He was also arrested for affray and criminal damage.
The man has now been detained under the Mental Health Act. The metal bar believed to be the weapon was recovered.
Five other people were hurt in the attack. All are hospital workers. They have injuries like cuts to the head, arm and hand injuries, and bruising. All are in stable condition.
“I honestly don’t know why this man did this to me and other workers of the hospital,” Meg Lynch said.
She posted about her ordeal on Facebook. She said she is now home safe with her family. She is very sore and in shock.
Meg Lynch recently finished her first year as a nurse. Friends and colleagues flooded her post with support.
Fellow nurse Andrea Vickers wrote, “You’re one of the kindest, cheeriest souls.” Nursing student Jessica Shaw called her “the nicest girl” and sent healing wishes.
Police have set up a mobile station at the hospital. They are doing high-visibility patrols in the area. They are reviewing CCTV and speaking to witnesses.
Superintendent Sarah Rotherham said police understand the concern. She urged anyone with worries to speak to an officer.
The scene at the community hospital remains closed for investigation.